Conflicting reports, but DL Jamal Marcus no longer with Ohio State

Posted by Kevin McGuire on May 26, 2014, 7:18 PM EST

Ohio State is fairly deep at defensive line, but one backup player will be leaving the program in search of a better situation. The Columbus Dispatch reported Monday Jamal Marcusplans to transfer away from Ohio State.

According to the report, Marcus missed practice time this spring while focusing on academic concerns. Earlier in the day Eleven Warriors reported Marcus had been dismissed for a violation of team rules, but The Dispatch is reporting his departure is a mutual decision instead.

Marcus figured to get some extra playing time early in the 2014 season with the suspension to Noah Spence costing the starting defensive linemen two games to start the 2014 season. Instead, playing time at the position in the first two games before Spence is eligible to play again could be up for grabs between senior Steve Miller or redshirt freshman Tyquan Lewis, per The Dispatch.

If Marcus wants to continue playing football this fall, he will have to transfer to an FCS program or below. Normal NCAA transfer rules would keep Marcus unable to play this fall for any FBS program. He would be eligible in 2015 if he transfers to another FBS program.

“Listen if you don’t wanna work your a55 off, get good grades and play on a winning team then leave!” Urban Meyer

watchfullhose says:May 27, 2014 9:43 AM

It’s too bad the kid couldn’t keep his grades up and needed extra time away from football to focus on his studies. I wish him well in his future endeavors.

The fact is, at major college football programs (the ones that expect athletes to do their own work), you have to keep up with your grades AND make football practice everyday. That’s life. Your spot isn’t guaranteed if you’re playing catch-up through remedial coursework because you couldn’t pass a class the 1st time.

rabiddog20 says:May 27, 2014 11:50 AM

He was excused from spring practice by Urban Meyer in order to be able to focus on academics.